Thompson Falls State Park Guide

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Introduction

Nestled in the beautiful Clark Fork Valley, Thompson Falls State Park is a lovely riverside recreation area that stretches for 36 acres. Located just a mile northwest of Thompson Falls, the park is a fantastic location for RV camping. Graced by dense tree cover, consisting mainly of mature pines, the park offers guests one-of-a-kind recreational outdoor experience that’s hard to beat.

Water sports enthusiasts, photographers, and sightseers will all love the diverse park landscape. The cooling waters on the beach offer a respite from the hot summer sun. Here you can hike the well-marked trails, enjoy your picnic lunch or even snap a couple of wildlife photos. For hiking fans, there is a scenic trail that passes along the Clark Fork River, eventually leading to the nearby town of Thompson Falls. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. Sitting at an elevation of 2,333 feet, this is one of the most beautiful Montana state parks where you can watch a magical sunset.

Whether it is just a quick getaway or a few days camping, Thompson Falls State Park is a perfect place to commune with nature and appreciate scenic river views. Established in 1960, there are 18 campsites for RVs and tents.

Transportation in Thompson Falls State Park

Driving

Thompson Falls State Park is easy to access whether you’re in a trailer, RV or a car since it just a few miles away from the small town of Thompson Falls. Interior roads are wide, smooth, and will take you to the campground, picnic area, fishing dock, and the trailheads. There are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers within the park, so campers can comfortably explore the park with ease. Hiking trails are in excellent condition and will take you to your point of interest, including along the river and through the forest. There is plenty of parking throughout the park including an extra vehicle parking slot. Overnight RVers can park their rigs at their designated campsites.

Parking

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Thompson Falls State Park

Campsites in Thompson Falls State Park

Reservations camping

Thompson Falls State Park Campround

Located along the banks of Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls State Park campground is one of the best camping spots in Montana. This pet-friendly and family-friendly campground offers visitors 17 primitive sites. One additional site offers electric and water hookups. Campsites are a mix of pull-through and back-in. Remember to keep your pets on a leash when outside your campsite. All campsites are shady and can accommodate up to eight people.

Amenities include vault toilets, water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reservations are open up to nine months in advance and must be made at least two days before your camping stay. You can only stay for 14 days in any 30 day period. If you plan on camping here keep in mind that most campsites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 30 feet long. One campsite can fit a larger rig up to 63 feet long. There is a train track nearby and a road so guests in campsites lying near these tracks might hear some traffic and train noise.

Besides the main campground, Thompson Falls State Park has a group camping area that can accommodate a maximum of 32 people.

First-come first-served

Thompson Falls State Park Campground

Some campsites are available on first-come, first-served basis.

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Thompson Falls State Park

In-Season

Swimming

Thompson Falls State Park offers a beautiful beach area, so summer visitors so be sure to bring their swimsuits in the trailer. Take a swim on the beach during your RV camping stay or picnicking. Alternatively, you can relax and unwind at the sandy beach as you read your favorite novel or watch the kids enjoy themselves in water.

Boating

The calm Lower Clark Fork River provides a convenient spot to enjoy boating in Montana. From your boat, you can appreciate some of the most outstanding scenery of the natural beauty of the park and stunning surrounding. There is a small boat launch within the state park.

Fishing

Lower Clark Fork River is a home primary to trout species including rainbow trout, bull trout, and brook trout, along with other few fish species. In particular, rainbow trout in this area are known to grow up to 30 inches. Although fishing quality and quantity in the lower section of this river is relatively less compared to the upper section, with patience anglers can still catch plenty of fish. If you are camping with children, there is a modern fishing pond with a pier where they practice on their fishing skills. There is a picnic shelter and a parking lot in this newly improved fishing pond. Anglers can engage in bank fishing or fly fishing.

Off-Season

Picnicking

After a long week of being busy, you can spend a few hours here with family and friends enjoying your picnic lunch on the weekend. There are numerous day use areas in the park where visitors can chill out and relax after hiking. Shelters are available on a reservation basis for groups of up to 50 people.

Wildlife Viewing

In addition to the refreshing time spent with your family camping in the park, you can also enjoy wildlife viewing. This unique state park boasts of lush green scenery which houses an array of wildlife including deer and moose. A hike through pine trees will expose you to different types of birds. You may even spot some eagles nesting on the park's trees. If you are an avid birder you better pack a birding guide and a pair of binoculars in your motorhome.

Hiking

After packing your motorhome at the trailhead, you can take a hike on the beautiful Thompson Falls Trail. There is no better way to enjoy the river views than experiencing the cool breeze along the banks. For those interested in forest views, a few trails run through the pines offering a diversity of plant species.